Man convicted of using firearm to endanger lives of police after going on shooting "rampage" in Castle Cary

A 32-year-old man has been found guilty of using a firearm to endanger the lives of police officers, after going on what the court described as a shooting "rampage" in Castle Cary.

Daniel Hannam of no fixed address, used an unlicenced shotgun to shoot at two officers in the early hours of Wednesday the 23rd of January as they tried to get inside a house on Park Street to arrest him.

It came after Hannam had tried to rob a McColl's shop earlier in the evening, during which he shot twice at a door, and another incident in which he tried to kidnap a man after getting into his car while armed with a shotgun.

Hannam admitted charges of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making use of a firearm with intent to resist arrest, attempted kidnap, and attempted burglary.

He has been cleared of two counts of attempted murder however, following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Watson said: “This was a fast-moving and highly dangerous situation and I’m immensely proud of the professionalism and bravery shown by all the officers involved in this operation.

“Daniel Hannam endangered the lives of officers as they tried to enter the property he was hiding inside and fired a shotgun from an upstairs window.

“Firearms incidents are thankfully few and far between in our force area, but when they do happen we have highly skilled, trained and dedicated officers ready to respond to keep the public safe, as they did that night.

“I was shocked when I viewed the officers’ body worn video footage and saw photos of the damage caused to a police vehicle.

"They are a testament to the danger these officers were facing in the line of duty and I’m relieved no-one was injured.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Det Ch Insp James Riccio added: “It’s been extremely difficult for the officers involved in this incident, as well as for their families and loved ones, to relive their ordeal and see body worn video footage from that night replayed in court.

"It’s also extremely hard for investigators to watch this material knowing it was their colleagues who were put in danger.

“We’ve had a team of officers and staff investigating the series of offences committed by Hannam and I’d like to recognise the immense amount of work that has been undertaken to achieve justice.

“Hannam is a very dangerous individual and it’s clear his criminal behaviour was escalating to an alarming degree. I’m pleased he’s now been convicted of these very serious offences and can no longer pose a risk to public safety.”